KATHMANDU, Dec 13: In the guise of foreign employment, Nepali youths are being lured to various countries and falling victim to 'online scamming,' with Chinese criminal networks playing a significant role in this illicit activity.
Chinese gangs are reportedly trafficking Nepali youths to countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and others to exploit them in online fraud schemes. According to SP Krishna Prasad Pangeni at the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, the online scamming network is widespread.
SP Pangeni revealed, "Initially, the gang members claimed to facilitate legal overseas employment for Nepali youth, but that turned out to be false. Once abroad, they hold them hostage and involve them in online scamming activities."
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A 32-year-old man from Gorkha who, enticed by the promise of a monthly salary ranging from US $15,000 to 20,000 US dollars in a reputable company, went to Laos a year ago with the support of his relatives. However, he discovered that the reality was different.
The gang coerced Nepali youths into creating fake IDs, posing as girls in online chats with Americans and Europeans to encourage cryptocurrency investments. "Girls were also kept available for video chats if someone desired," said another victim.
The man disclosed that he could only return to Nepal after paying approximately Rs 400,000. Although the journey back was challenging, they managed to return to Nepal and promptly filed a complaint with the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police.
SSP Jiwan Kumar Shrestha highlighted the troubling trend of exploiting economically vulnerable young people in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos for online scamming. "The issue of online scamming is alarming. Complaints against the rackets involved in taking Nepalis to different countries and involving them in online scamming have been received," added SSP Shrestha.
